Ritz Birthday Party Kicks Off Month

Ritz Theater (photo credit Sheryl Brown)

A Century of Curtain Calls: 100th Birthday Party
Wednesday, August 2 Mixer at 5:30PM Program 6PM – 7:30PM
Celebrate our 100th birthday with us August 2, 100 years to the day of our first opening night. Come and enjoy a night of amazing performances that showcase our theater’s artistic legacy. From jazz to Rachmaninoff and theatrical shorts, we have something for everyone. Doors open at 5:30pm, show starts at 6pm. Only $10 for entertainment, appetizers by sponsor Hollerbach’s German Restaurant, and cake donated by Publix. No-host bar will be open.

Classic Movies: The Sound of Music Sing Along
Thur., August 3 at 7:26PM
Get ready to sing-along to the beloved 1965 musical film “The Sound of Music,” based on the true story of the Trapp Family Singers. Follow the adventures of Maria, a spirited young nun who becomes the governess of seven children in Austria during World War II. Watch as she fills their lives with joy and music. Sing along to the classic songs such as “Do-Re-Mi”, “My Favorite Things”, and “Edelweiss”. Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic of this timeless film with your family and friends. In partnership with the City of Sanford. $5 cash at the door.

Turnstiles: The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute
Sat., August 5 at 7:30PM
Turnstiles is the ultimate tribute to Billy Joel and his timeless hits. This group of passionate musicians has been rocking the stage for over a decade, delivering the live concert arrangements and energy of the Piano Man himself. You’ll feel like part of the magic as they play everything from classics like “Piano Man” to deep cuts like “Zanzibar.” Don’t miss this chance to see them live and experience the best of Billy Joel. Tickets: $28-$35

O-Town Motown Tribute to the Motown Era
Sat., August 19 at 7:30PM

From Michael Jackson to Marvin Gaye, Orlando’s O-Town Motown will move you physically and emotionally, bringing to life the many great artists and unforgettable songs of the golden era of Motown. This dynamic group does it all: harmonies reminiscent of classic vocal ensembles like the Four Tops or the Supremes, intricate dance moves worthy of the Temptations or the Jackson Five, and costuming that rivals the stylish matching outfits that defined the great Motown acts of the sixties. An Allengang Entertainment Production. Tickets: $28-$35

Sanford Jazz Ensemble: 50 Years of Instrumental Hits
Sun., August 20 at 3PM

Take a musical journey through five decades of instrumental hits starting with the Big Band era of huge tunes that made you want to dance. Enjoy rare gems from the 50s and groove to the modern classics from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, featuring artists like Perez Prado, Herb Alpert, Herbie Hancock, and the Average White Band. Plus, you’ll be mesmerized by the soulful voice of Ron Stark, who will sing a medley of Barry White songs and more. Don’t miss this amazing show that celebrates the power and beauty of instrumental music. Tickets: $25

Ritz Theater Bingo: Cheers to 100 Years
Tue., August 22 at 7PM
The Ritz has partnered with Dees Brother’s Brewery, across the street from the theater, to hold a monthly charity bingo event on the fourth Tuesday of each month. There are fun prizes to win, a 50/50 drawing, and of course great eats and drinks are available for purchase. We play 4 rounds of regular bingo and one 50/50 game. Tickets $20 for 4 games (24 bingo cards that you can play as many cards as you like in each game, and $5 for 1 game of 50/50 bingo. No reservation needed, just drop in at 7PM.

Love Your Shorts Summer Rewind
Fri., August 25
They’re back for a summer rewind featuring some of the best short films from the 2022 edition. Join us for a night of comedy, drama, animation, documentary, sci-fi/horror, Florida flavor, international, and E for everyone films. Don’t miss this chance to catch up on the latest and greatest in short films from around the world. Tickets available at www.loveyourshorts.com.

Dissonance – Two Women Stage Play
Sat., August 26 at 3PM and 7PM
Best friends and business partners Angela and Lauren have never talked honestly about race. Angela is Black, Lauren is White, and they open a cafe in a Black neighborhood. There, they confront some hard truths and wonder if their friendship will last. Dissonance is a 90-minute play that shows how race, love, and vulnerability can bring people closer or tear them apart after George Floyd’s murder. Tickets: $25-$35

Tickets and more program details are available on the Theater’s website at www.ritztheatersanford.com/calendar or by calling the box office at 407-321-8111. The Theater is located at 201 S. Magnolia Avenue in historic downtown Sanford, FL. The box office ticket window is open weekdays 9:30am to 5:30pm and 2 hours prior to each performance.